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Nine Matches (prod. by Noise Club)

Rhett Miller w/Black Prairie - Most In The Summertime

Traveling by myself has become a regular part of my life over the last few years. Not to brag, but I believe I’ve gotten quite good at it. I’ve discovered my own little techniques to get through airport security as fast as possible. I have comfortable outfits that I like to wear when I fly, and I’ve really perfected the art of falling asleep in an uncomfortable sitting position. I like to think I’ve done a good job of dealing with the anxiety that comes along with it as well. 

Several months ago, for a number of reasons, I was having a difficult time on one particular trip. I arrived at the airport to find my flight home had been cancelled, and I would need to wait several hours until the next flight out of town. To make matters worse, I had developed an incredibly painful staph infection on my right thigh, that had basically rendered me immobile and would eventually require some rather serious medical attention. This infection had transformed the simple act of sitting upright into an excruciating experience. After several delays throughout the day, I began to feel like my body was giving out on me. 

Hours later, as we finally boarded the plane, I was seated next to a man who I believe was suffering from a mental illness. He was engaged in a rather heated argument with himself and, between his vigorous obscenities and insults, he would stop to shoot me what could only be described as a very ominous stink eye. As the plane was preparing to take off, I felt a sudden rush of fear for the first time in a long time. The thought had entered my brain, as I’m sure it does for many other people who travel alone, that I might not make it back alive this time.

I started to sing this song to myself in my head, making up the words as I was going along. It has since become another one of my many pre-flight rituals. Needless to say, I landed safely that day, and was overjoyed to see my wife Caitlin greeting me upon my arrival home. I am sharing this with you today in hopes that it could afford you some peace of mind in your own travels. To all the vagabonds, gypsies, ramblers and explorers, I pray for your safety, no matter where you are or where you are going. 

Lyrics:

Let me reach my destination safely.
Let me reach my destination safely.
If you do that Lord, I swear I will
be true to you and love until
the day we meet again
Lord, don’t be hasty.

Let me see the face of
the one I love, oh Lord.
Let me see the face of
the one I love once more.
If you do that I will strive to be
the person I’m alive to be,
just let me see the face
of the one I love once more.

So long, it’s nice to know you.
One more song before I go.
Won’t be long until I show you
I can make my dreams come true.
And if I’m wrong at least I chose to
do this thing that I’m supposed to,
that I pray I’m getting close to
but that all depends on you, oh Lord.

Just let me reach my destination safely.
Let me reach my destination safely.
If you do that Lord, I swear I will
be true to you and love until
the day we meet again
Lord, don’t be hasty.

(Photo Credit: David Cloonan)

Hymn For Safe Travels

Written by Joe Pug

Nate Hertweck - vocals, guitars
Geoff Godfrey - drums
Harley Duggan - bass 

This is track 5 from the "Blame it on the Truth" EP by Nate Hertweck
Produced and Recorded by Nate Hertweck & Geoff Godfrey 
at Studio Rev & Etheldo Studio B, Los Angeles, CA
Mixed by Geoff Godfrey - Mastered by Hans DeKline
Photo by David Bowick - (c) 2015 Remainder Records

More info at www.natehertweck.com

I Do My Father's Drugs

Unreleased track from the "Mad About Town" period. Recorded at Synchro Sound in Boston (the studio owned by The Cars). Remastered by Steve Turnidge, Ars Divina / UltraViolet Studios.

Who's Gonna Kiss Me Goodnight? (Remastered)

Song list:

Money From the Sky
Gold Hidden in the Clay
The Producers
Radio
Used People (w/ Marshall Thompson)
One More Stop (w/ Marshall Thompson)
Harmony Singer (w/ Marshall Thompson)

All songs written by Nate Hertweck
Photo by Stephen Salazar

Nate Hertweck live at Cinema Bar July 14, 2016

Nate Hertweck

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